Bridgwater is facing a growing challenge with the increasing number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), prompting its Member of Parliament to urge the government to grant Somerset Council stronger regulatory powers. HMOs, characterized by individual bedrooms and bathrooms with shared kitchen and living spaces and often limited parking, have proliferated in the town, raising concerns about community impact.
Sir Ashley Fox, Bridgwater’s Conservative MP since 2024, highlighted the issue during a recent House of Commons debate. He described the council as “powerless” to address the complications arising from the expansion of HMOs, particularly as local streets struggle with vehicle congestion and changes to neighbourhood character.
The rise in HMOs is closely tied to major nearby construction projects, including the ongoing development of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and a new gigafactory situated between Puriton and Woolavington. These projects have brought thousands of workers to the area, increasing the demand for temporary shared housing.
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Bridgwater’s council recently approved plans to expand an existing HMO at 37 North Street from six to eight bedrooms, while contesting a related appeal for 41 Taunton Road. Sir Ashley emphasized the need for local authorities to have the discretion to impose restrictions on HMO numbers in discrete areas, advocating that such accommodations with fewer than five occupants should also require permission.
“The influx of workers means more HMOs, which in turn leads to economic pressures and alters the community dynamic,” Fox explained. “Councils need the tools to manage this transformation carefully.”
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook responded by stating that Somerset Council could implement an Article 4 direction—a legal measure restricting certain developments, including removing permitted development rights that allow property changes without planning permission. He encouraged the local authority to make full use of available powers and stressed the importance of adequate resources and guidance to enforce them effectively.
Somerset Council plans to build over 500 new council houses by 2030, focusing on the M5 corridor, to alleviate housing shortages exacerbated by the rising HMO demand. Sir Ashley noted the ongoing lack of sufficient social housing in Bridgwater and shared that developers often face challenges in transferring completed social housing units to associations due to funding issues.
When pressed about government efforts, Minister Pennycook confirmed that a register created to match housing providers with available Section 106 affordable housing units had allocated over 4,000 such units before its June 1 closure. Further, initiatives increasing financial capacity for affordable housing providers are underway to accelerate stalled projects and improve housing availability.
As Bridgwater grapples with the consequences of rapid development and increasing shared housing, the debate continues over empowering local councils to better protect the balance and identity of their communities.